Daodejing, Verse 64

Daodejing - Other Voices

Surrender, What Does It Mean To You?
When someone mentions the word "Surrender", what does that mean to you?

We commonly mistake surrender for giving up. Unfortunately there is a fine line between obsessive control and determination or between surrendering and giving up.

Imagine hanging onto a small branch on the side of a cliff. You would hold on as tightly as possible to keep from falling to the ground wouldn't you? You would grit your teeth with a dogged determination vowing not to give up until help arrives. The last thing you want to do is surrender to the inevitable fate of falling.

Now, what if I told you the danger is not real and that you are actually only two feet from the ground? Would you loosen your grip on the branch? Of course you would! This is Surrender. It is the ability to relax one's grip on life in the place of the ILLUSION of danger.

Yes. It is possible your business might fail. Your wife or husband may divorce you. Your whole city could be wiped out by a natural disaster or terrorist attack. This doesn't mean you don't do what you can to be prepared. But you are defeating yourself when you try to control things outside of your direct influence. So Surrender is demonstrated by the willingness to let go of the need to control things OUTSIDE of your direct influence.

Surrender happens when you do what you can do in the moment, and let go of the things that are outside of your control.

Here is a way to experience Control versus Surrender. Clench your fist. Make your hand so tight that nothing can slip through into your palm. What would you do if I wanted to put $1,000 into the palm of your hand right now? Would you keep your fist clenched or would you surrender your clenched hand to accept what I am offering? Life works the same way. When your mind is clenched, you cannot open yourself to the riches you deserve. Here is a quote from Lao Tzu – "He who grasps loses." Remember it!

Today will bring you a new awareness, a lesson or a manifestation that you are making progress – IF YOU LOOK FOR IT! No matter how large or small, please record it in your Evidence Journal. It will only take a few moments and will AUTOMATICALLY put you in the Flow.
~ from The Secret Truths, author Robert Anthony, original post date: 3/17/10 ~

This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.